Oyer & Terminer, 1802-1910

County courts of oyer and terminer and general gaol delivery were established by the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1790 to hear and determine capital crimes (murder, rape, treason, burglary, robbery, arson, etc), formerly a function of the Pennsylvania supreme court. The 1st county court of oyer and terminer in Chester County was held May 1792. The entries for the proceedings from 1792-1802 are found in the quarter sessions dockets.